Sunday, March 23, 2014

What Is New In Bladder Cancer Research

By Luisa Sharpe


Bladder cancer research today is looking at new ways to detect the disease earlier as well as more effective and less invasive ways to treat it once it has been discovered. There are many trials and studies being done that will contribute vital information to what is already known by researchers.

The studies dealing with earlier detection use analyses of urine to detect the tumors through proteins common to the growth. There are three separate types of urine analyses that are showing promise. The BTA test looks for specific proteins that may signal a return of prior cancers. It is very accurate but can be influenced by other conditions.

The NMP22 test is used to detect the most common cancers found in bladders. These are transitional cell cancers and they produce a protein in the nucleus of their cells that is found in small amounts in all people. When the levels of this protein increase it can be detected by this test.

The latest test that has been developed is the Mcm5 test. It is used with the NMP22 test and has proven to be successful in finding the TCC in the majority of cases where it was used. This is important because early detection raises the chance of survival for the patient.

The cystoscopy is the method doctors use to confirm a tumorous growth in bladders. This involves insertion of a camera into the affected area where it identifies afflicted areas and the blood vessels that feed the tumors. A chemical is introduced into the bladder using a catheter that serves to enhance the appearance of blood vessels to assist the doctor's identification of the tumors.

Treatment is another area of interest for researchers. One that appears to be especially successful is photodynamic therapy. With this treatment the patient is injected through a catheter with a special drug and salt water. When the bladder is full a special type of light is directed at the organ to activate the drug. This treatment kills all cancerous cells as well as damaging the blood vessels that feed them. It then causes the immune system to activate and destroy the tumor. This method can only be used if the tumor has not broken through the wall of bladders of patients.

The best treatment results are achieved when therapies are combined to fight the disease. Chemotherapy shrinks the tumors, radiotherapy serves to prevent reappearance of them and surgery removes the offending tissue. Another part of the combination is over oxygenation of the area that is affected because cancerous cells die easier when they have an excess of oxygen.

Many researchers are experimenting with the concept of biological therapy. This method of treatment uses your body's natural substances to fight the cancers that you may have. Many drugs have been produced and are being used in tests with fairly good results. The reports from researchers give hope to those who may be suffering from this disease.




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